Let’s be real for a minute. Have you ever started something new—an MLM, a handmade craft biz, maybe even a side hustle that promised “freedom”—and it didn’t work out? Yeah. Me too. I remember what it felt like when people would look at me sideways and say things like, “You’re doing another thing now?” Or my personal favorite: “Why don’t you just get a normal job?” That kind of doubt cuts deep, especially when it’s from people you love. The truth? I was scared of failing. Again. But I learned something wild: failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s the way to it. I call it: The Suck Zone.
Let’s Talk About The Suck Zone
In my book, Your Dreams Don’t Die… They Haunt You, I share a story about sitting in a booth trying to sell painted surfboards. I’d poured everything into it—my time, my energy, my last bit of hope. And no one was buying. I felt like a loser. Again. So I did what any burnt-out dreamer might do: I walked across the street to Buffalo Wild Wings and cried into a margarita.
But then—out of nowhere—my husband called me and said, “We’ve got orders.” I didn’t believe him. He said it again, “Get over here. We’ve got orders.” And just like that, everything shifted. One minute I was drowning in doubt, and the next, I was holding a stack of handwritten orders that meant $20,000 in just two months. From surfboards. Let that sink in.
Here’s the thing: if I had let the fear of failing again stop me, I would’ve missed my breakthrough.
“What Will They Say If I Try This?”
Can I be 100% honest? They probably WILL say something. Let them. People love to label you based on your past—but you’re allowed to evolve. You’re allowed to change your mind. And you’re absolutely allowed to try again, even if it makes other people uncomfortable. You know what they don’t see? The nights you cry because you want to do something meaningful. The ache to make a little extra money without missing bedtime stories. The dream that won’t shut up no matter how many times you shelve it.
Here’s what I want you to remember: Their understanding is not required for your success.
Failure Isn’t a Red Light—It’s a U-Turn Toward Growth
If you’re sitting there wondering, “But what if I fail again?”—I want to flip that for you.
What if this time… it works?
What if the only thing between you and that first paid paint party is giving yourself permission to start messy?
Because the truth is, every successful person you admire? They’ve failed more times than you’ve even tried.
So What Now?
You’ve tried before, yes. And you’ve been stuck in The Suck Zone more times than you’d like to admit. But this time you’re not doing it alone. You’ve got me, a community of creative women inside Paint Party Headquarters, and a step-by-step plan designed for real life.
So take a deep breath. This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being brave enough to try again—with a little more wisdom, a little more heart, and a whole lot more faith. Because your dream? It’s still there for a reason. And I promise—it’s not too late to answer it.
If you’re done letting fear sit in the driver’s seat and you’re ready to actually do something with that creative tug on your heart—Paint Party Headquarters is waiting for you. We’ve got the plan, the support, and the sisterhood. You just need the courage to click. Join us inside PPHQ now!
More Business Inspiration…
- It’s Not Too Late—It’s Your Time to Rise
- Tired of Building Their Dream?
- Rise and Grind: Tough Love Tips for Business Warriors
